New owner in Ontario, Canada

[Dave Can]

Hello everyone.
I have a barn find '68 1600. It was either buy it or she was going to be scrapped. She's mostly complete (missing emblems) with the original motor. She was sitting in a barn in northern Ontario since 1975. Rust has claimed the front fenders (eaten a line behind the front wheels from top to bottom) and most of the floor. I picked up a '69 2000 last weekend that has been in a field for the last 27 years in Virginia so she's in really rough shape, but I'll see if anything can be salvaged.

The 1600 came with a service manual that has seen better days (I think the pages have been damp since 1975), but neat to have. Also came with the warranty and service booklet that lists the original owner and his address (even the apartment #), delivery date (June 14, 1968). Also listed is the paint #. Funny thing about the paint. The car has been repainted gold, but my sis-in-law called the current colour 'baby crap brown'. I had a chuckle when I told her that the original colour was listed as silver and the paint # is ... 666! (my sis-in-law is born again). Found out that the dealer is still in business at the same locale as well. St. Clair Motor Service in Toronto. When my roadster is finally back on the road (may be years from now) I think that I will have to drop by and say hi.

Dave

[S Allen]

Nice find. Good luck with your project and keep us updated. Pictures are appreciated as well. Need to see how she looks now so we can all admire your handy work.

Steve

[Dave Can]

I like her, but it's not pretty once she starts undressing.

[Dave Can]

She got tapped in the rear

[Dave Can]

engine bay

[Dave Can]

right side fender

[Dave Can]

and with the fender off

[Dave Can]

left side fender removed. Less metal means less weight and better gas mileage. Plus, added ventilation.

[Dave Can]

I think that I may need that 20x20 floor panel

[Dave Can]

okay ... maybe something a little bigger than 20x20

[notoptoy]

Wow, now that is rust. I hope you are good with a welder. Luckily Ross is up that way and has lots of sheet metal! Good luck and keep sharing the pictures!

[spl310]

No offense, I would look for a donor body.

[Dave Can]

Her one saving grace is that my brother is a car nut and a body man so there's hope for her. Plus, he's the guy that insisted I save her in the first place. Picked up a rough 69 2000 for parts or atleast to see what the car is supposed to look like without a whole whack of rust.
I've been in contact with Ross (sportsimports) about replacement fenders and will have to replenish the bank account before I can do anything.

[Gregs672000]

right side fender

Oh heck, I can just buff that out for ya...


I'm afraid I agree... you will be miles ahead with a donor body...

[sports imports]

I have some much better body tubs that will save you lots of welding time. In my opinion, that car is good for parts only. You will know more once the body is off the frame, but I am afraid you will find a rusty frame.

Ross
sports imports
Surrey, BC